Your Tech Story

Jayshri

Jayshri is an Electronics Engineer, but her passion towards writing made her to be in this field. Apart from content writing, she loves reading, writing and surfing on various topics. In her free time, she likes to watch TV series and news. Sherlock Holmes is her all time favorite show. Jayshri loves cooking various Indian-western dishes.

trello

Joel Spolsky- How he made it possible from a blog ‘Joel on Software’ to setting up Trello

Trello is an online collaboration tool launched in 2001 to help in managing and organizing projects. A software engineer and technical writer Joel Spolsky is the founder of this amazing platform. He introduced feasible and flexible project management or task organization in an easy manner with the help of Trello. However, Joel is also known for his blog Joel on Software where he used to teach how to develop software.

Apart from this, he has a great contribution to the establishment of several hit companies like Fog Creek Software. Most importantly, he assists in launching the Stack Overflow programmer for his question/answer sites. For this, he used Stack Exchange software products. This method powers the stack overflow and many followed the steps of Joel. Presently, more than 170 Questions and answers are hosts with this programmer.

Person behind Trello- Joel Spolsky

He is a software engineer, developer, blogger, and author. Joel wrote five books among which few are related to interface design. In fact, his books are very useful for the newly enter programmer and the software developer. If you are from the software development field, you may have heard about The Joel Test. Well, it is also created by Joel Spolsky. As well, he is the first person to talk about fixing it twice for the process improvement method. Let’s see the personal and professional life journey of Joel Spolsky.

Early life

He was born in 1965 in a Jewish family. However, he spent the childhood days in Albuquerque in New Mexico, but then the family moved and set up in Israel. Thus, Spolsky completed his basic education as well as the military service in Israel.

To complete the graduation, Joel chose to return to the USA and in 1987, he did it so. Thereafter, he attended the University of Pennsylvania and shortly transferred to Yale University. In 1991, Joel graduated in Computer science.

Career

After graduation, Joel became part of the Microsoft team and started working as a Program Manager. Many people don’t know that Joel helped to design the Excel Basic during his early career. As well, he worked for Microsoft’s visual basic for application strategy. In 1995, he switched the location as well as switched the job. He started working for Viacom and Juno online services.

Towards the own business

It will be nothing wrong to say that Joel became a master in his field in a very short time. One after one, he was showing his excellence in software development. This excellence continued with his very own Software firm Fog Creek Software, established in 2000. Shortly after that, he started the blog known worldwide as Joel of Software. Spolsky became one of the first bloggers who also run the business.

Stack overflow

Later on, he changed the history of question and answers sites by co-founding Stack Overflow. In fact, this site turned out useful for software developers who are in the learning phase. Also, the large software developer community has been shaped by this initiative. Till 2019, Joel served as the CEO of stack overflow. Last year, he expressed about chairmanship of HASH, an open-source simulation start-up.

Also Read: Stack Overflow : A Programming Hotspot Created for the Coding Enthusiasts

The backstory of founding Trello

During 2010, Fog Creek software started using for potential products and some basic regular creek weeks. But for high-level management, there were few limitations that could not be ignored. For that, a prototype called Trellis is developed. Soon, to convert the prototype in the real product, J. Spolsky launched Trello back in 2011. While developing the tool, Joel also considered the Kanban methodology.

New experiments of Trello

In 2011, it launched the web and iPhone apps for consumers. Year a later, Joel’s dog name Taco introduced as official Trello spokes-husky. More than 50 lakhs customers showed faith in Trello, and the firm shortly launches Android app for the users.

Later success

Trello preferred to handle their own business from 2014, and separated from Fog Creek. Shortly, Trello raised the investment in A-series and continue exploring the business. In 2015, the firm entered in international competition. Now it has more than 5 million users. However, to explore the region more and to mark the new beginning, Trello preferred to become part of the leading firm Atlassian. From 2017, Trello is an integral part of Atlassian.

bitdefender

Florin Talpes- Founder of Bitdefender- A person behind worldwide accepted IT Security solutions

A Romanian entrepreneur Florin Talpes, recognized for his contribution to add value to the national product. He also managed to take the trade outside the country and shortly firm acquired the trust in the international market. It’s not easy to acquire the trust of people when it comes to security. Yet, Bitdefender’s digital guarding software has been exported on a large scale for its excellent digital security. With this, it set the record and became the most exported Romanian product. 400 million-plus population rely on Bitdefender antivirus solutions in the present situation.

Also Read: Cloud-Troopers- How Cloudflare Keeps the Internet and Your Data Safe

Not only personal users but also leading firms prefer Bitdefender to protect their digital data. All credit goes to Florin Talpes for his business venture started in 2001. In just 7-10 years, the company flourished its business all across the continents. It is surely the finest example of strategic and visionary leadership to excelling in the enterprise. Today, Bitdefender is globally known as one of the finest IT solutions. Talpes helped to set the name of Romania in the list of top IT security solution providing countries.

Glimpse to the life of mastermind behind Bitdefender

He is among the list of pioneers in the digital security industry as well, he managed to trade it outside the country. Talpes was in the founding body of the National Association of Software Services Industry/ASSI, Romania. As well, he served as a president in there and guide to set the national Strategy for software services in the country. In 2001, he set up Bitdefender and changed the history of the Romanian software industry.

Education and early business ventures

He attended the “Avram Iancu” National College Brad for his graduation. Later on, he attended the University of Bucharest and study mathematics. The area of his specialization is operator theory.

During 1990, he co-founded a software services firm, Softwin along with his wife. It became one of the 1st Romanian(post-communist) IT start-ups.

Backstory of Foundation

In the era of 90s, computer development was at a peak. But that time one more problem arises i.e. a rise in computer viruses. On this background, Softwin developed AVX, the antivirus expert.

Later on, in 2001, this antivirus software development unit is known as AVX solutions, renamed and rebranded as Bitdefender.

Achievements

No doubt, Talpes played an important role in shaping the future of the IT industry. For his contribution, he honored with several titles and awards. In 2018, CRN named Florin Talpes in its list of Top 100 Executives. Also, he was on the list of most admired CEOs in 2016. Talpes also set his name in Top 100 Most Admired CEOs in Romania in 2015’s list. All and all, F. Talpes always will be one of the top pioneers in the IT security field.

About Bitdefender

It is an antivirus software solution provider that acquired domestic market share and global market share of 30 and 2 percent respectively. Being one of the most trustworthy IT security service firms, more than 400 billion customers rely on its service.

Initially, it was Romania based start-up headquartered in silicon valley. Later on, the firm explored the business outside the country. Presently, it has offices in several regions of Romania, the US, the UK, and Germany. In 2007, Bitdefender became a separate firm entity.

The firm updates its strategy and the solutions from time to time as per the present market situation. B2B segment security products launched in 2012 are one of the parts of this strategy. In fact, it turned out as super successful for the business of the company.

Also Read: Eugene Kaspersky : Russian Entrepreneur & Cybersecurity Expert

Transformations in the Bitdefender

The foundation of the firm is based on strong strategies and optimistic views. Bitdefender managed to find the security solutions as per the changing IT Industry, and obviously the needs of personal users.

From launching B2B offer to the Forrester WAVE Evaluation for Endpoint Security Suites, Bitdefender shows the excellence. As well, the firm used an acquisition strategy for the technological development of the company. Recently, it acquired network guard analytics company RedSocks.

Innovative approach

The firm held 100 patents for core technology as well, more than 230 parents are filed for examination. It will be no wrong to say that about 10% of the patents related to malware section, online threats, and other online security-related issues are named by Bitdefender.

Bottomline

Since the establishment, Bitdefender provides miscellaneous service and the innovative approach of the firm adds value to its products. The best part, it’s a vast range of IT security solutions that cover businesses as well as personal users. Today, more than 1300 employees are part of the group, and many wish to join it. It is one of the most innovative firms in the world, dominating the IT security software industry.

Also Read: Avast : Largest Security Company in the World, Fighting the Cyber Attacks

MediaTek

MediaTek- How the company explores its business under Tsai Ming-kai’s policies

A wireless communication firm, MediaTek is best known for introducing several new technologies in this field. The best digital multimedia solution of the firm changing smartphones, tabs, and many other communication devices. With many years of excellence, MediaTek is one of the dominating firms in the wireless communication industry. In fact, it is obvious to achieve this level, because one of the finest entrepreneurs of Taiwan forms the strong foundation of the company.

Tsai Ming-kai, Taiwan’s most famous businessman increased the business of the company at the time of economic downturn in the world. His optimistic views about the market and the strategic moves for development, took MediaTek at the top level. MediaTek grew along with Telecom based market.

Also Read: Randall L. Stephenson – A Dazzling Star In The World Of Telecommunication

Glimpse to founder’s life-Tsai Ming-kai

He was born on April 6, 1950, in Taiwan. T. Ming-kai is an electrical engineer. In fact, he studied electrical engineering for two times, once in Taiwan and secondly in America. Not only in Taiwan but also in the world, he is a well-known businessman. Moreover, he served as CEO of MediaTek.

Awards and recognitions

The year 2014 was the best year for MediaTek as well as for Tsai. Forbes includes his name in the list of rich people, he was at 20th position(specifically in Taiwan) having a net worth of 1.80 billion dollars. As per the Harvard Business Review, he was at the 21st position in Best-Performing CEOs in the World in 2014. Also, he had a great contribution to growing the semiconductor industry in Taiwan. For that, he honored with Morris Chang Exemplary Leadership Award in 2016.

Also Read: Mediatek to Bring a Premium 5G Chip to Empower the Cheaper Next-gen Smartphones

About MediaTek

As said earlier, it is one of the significant semiconductor firms that develop chips for many other wireless communication devices. Includes, handheld smartphones, HD-Televisions, GPS systems, optical drives, and many more.

Also Read: Garmin: The Global Leader & Supplier of Innovative GPS Technology Across Distinct Markets

The firm started a unit to design products for mobile devices in 2004. Till the end of 2011, it grabs 500 million-plus orders for mobile system-on-chip units per year. In 2016, it named as the third largest IC design firm on the earth. Presently, it has around 25 offices across the continents and headquartered in Taiwan(Hsinchu).

The backstory of Foundation

MediaTek raised as a separate unit in 1997. Before that, it was one of the units of UMC(United Microelectronics Corporation), primarily working as a chipset designing unit for home-based entertainment goods. However, it was listed in Taiwan stock exchange in 2001, and since then providing miscellaneous services in the wireless communication industry.

The initial phase of Mediatek

After establishment, the firm focused on designing chipset for optical drives and then shifted its focus on designing basic entertainment devices such as DVD players, mobile phones, Tv, tabs, etc. It gained the market since the very beginning of the company. Also, it stands out differently among other competitors.

Also Read: Redbox- Expanding The Source Of Entertainment Since 2002

Promoting small businesses

MediaTek also promotes several small-size companies by assisting those firms in the system engineering field. As well, encourages newbies to enter the telecom market. Through this, the firm target to grab mobile chip market and make it as the main source to flourish own business.

Everyday Genius brand

It is one of the famous brands of the company launched in 2014 during MWC. The mobile brand was launched in the market to make smartphones affordable and accessible to all.

The innovative approach of MediaTek

To stand strong in any business, changes in policies and adopting new technology is very important. In the case of the wireless communication industry, a firm needs to have an innovative approach. However, since the beginning, MediaTek adopted the innovative approach and focused on developing new technologies. It brought technologies like MT8135 system-on-chip, LITTLE technology, MT6592 SoC, etc.

In 2014, the firm made a big announcement to develop the first “multimode receiver” for wireless charging. Recently in 2019, MediaTek made an announcement to build 5G SoC Dimensity 1000 which will be the first-ever mobile SoC in the world.

Exploring the business

To explore the business, MediaTek either formed partnerships or used acquisition strategy.  Recently, it announced a partnership with Intel in 2019. The main aim of this partnership is to bring 5G technology to personal computers tills 2021.

At starting, the firm acquired several firms including Inprocomm, Ralink Technology Corporation, Analog Devices cellular radio and baseband chipset divisions, MStar Semiconductor Inc, etc.

Bottom line

In 2016, it named as the third largest IC design firm on the earth. Before that in 2014, MediaTek had been in profit and generated big revenue in its history. As well, due to its industry-first policy and innovative approach, it stands out differently from competitors.

Li-Fi

Harald Hass- German Professor who coined the new Li-Fi technology

Generally, we all know wired and wireless communication technologies because we all use it. For example, the telephones(the cable ones) as a wired communication device, and of course mobile as a wireless communication device. But like all fields, communication technology is also improvising day by day, many new inventions are there like Li-fi technology. It is introduced by Harald Hass for the first time in the world. Well, it is a form of wireless communication known as light fidelity technology.

In 2011, at TED global talk, Hass made the reference of visible light communication, and based on this he introduced the advanced Li-fi communication technology for the first time. After this, it became the center of attraction for many researchers and scientists. As well, Time Magazine listed the Li-fi technology in the list of Top 50 inventions of the year 2011.

About Li-Fi

Li-fi stands for Light Fidelity. It is the Optical Wireless communication’s derivative. In common language, we can say it as an advanced form of optical wireless communication. Light-emitting diodes are the center of this technology. The light emitted from these LEDs is used as a medium to deliver the network to mobile phones and enables high-speed communication. Similar to Wi-Fi, but Li-fi uses light as a medium.

A person who introduced Li-Fi for the first time- Harlad Hass

He is a German professor who is best known for many scientific types of research, Li-Fi is one of them. In fact, he has been credited for introducing li-fi for the first time. Presently, he is working at the University of Edinburgh as a professor in the field of mobile communication. However, he has a Ph.D. degree from the same University. As well, Hass is the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s fellow since 2017.

Career and Notable researches

He is a professor at the University of Edinburgh and director of life research center at the same university. Also, he contributed to establishing pureLiFi ltd where he is serving as a director and chief scientific officer.

Coming to his research field, Hass’s special area of research is wireless communications. Specifically in Hybrid optical wireless/RF communication, spatial modulation, optical wireless communication, and interference coordination in wireless networks. However, he coined Li-fi and spatial modulation, and among these researches, Li-fi became most popular.

In 2011, Li-fi was in the Time Magazine’s list of Top 50 inventions. As a matter of fact, Hass introduced the world about Li-fi in TED Global talk in 2011.

Contribution to promote Li-fi

In his TED talk, he represented Visible light communication, whose references found in history(Particularly 1880s duration). Base on this, he introduced Light fidelity, attributed to Li-Fi. He not only coined the term but also try to market it with setting up a company known as PureLiFi. Today, this firm is working to commercializing Li-fi products.

Awards and recognition

Harald Hass received many awards for his contribution to wireless communications. In 2015, for his Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking, Hass received EURASIP Best Paper Award(Co-recipient). Also, he became co-recipient of the Jack Neubauer Memorial Award of the IEEE Vehicular Technology Society in the same year. EPSRC offered him Career Fellowship in the UK in 2012, it is one of the prestigious fellowships. Moreover, the University of Edinburgh honored him with Tam Dalyell Prize in 2013 for his contribution to engaging common people with science. Recently, EPSRC selected him as one of the RISE Leaders in the UK in 2014(RISE- Recognising Inspirational Scientists and Engineers).

Future of Li-fi technology

As of 2018, the Li-fi market had projected to deliver the 6 billion dollars per year. But till now the market is not developed as wi-fi. Because there are few limitations. Like as of now, it is not ideal for mobile communication purposes. However, Li-fi technology offers many advantages especially in electromagnetic sensitive areas. Like hospitals, nuclear power plants, aircraft cabins. Therefore, it can be turn out useful in the future.

Bottom Line

Harald is working on commercializing the product that uses Li-fi technology with his PureLiFi firm. As well, many scientists are working on this. It is just the beginning of Li-Fi, in the future it may get more advanced and scientists can find the solution to its restrictions. Also, we know that whenever any technology is new, there are some limitations and people take some time to accept it. But once it is accepted it becomes part of daily life. Hopefully, it will turn out useful for humans in the future.

Tadao Kashio

Tadao Kashio’s Journey to start Casio Computer

In the era of the 1970’s and ’80s, the only name that was in highlight for electronic devices was Casio. Scientific calculators, electronic musical instruments, digital watches, etc were majorly manufactured by this company. Even today, this is the most common name in the consumer electronics company. Almost 90% of engineering students use Casio calculators. And that’s how most of us know this name. Want to know more about the company and how it was founded? Read ahead to find out.

Casio Computer Co

Founded by Tadao Kashio in 1946, Casio Computer Co is a Japanese company that makes consumer electronics and commercial electronics products. It is currently headquartered in Shibuya, located in Tokyo (Japan). The products of this company include calculators, mobile phones, digital watches, music instruments. In 1957, this company introduced the world’s first entirely electric compact calculator. 

Founder Tadao Kashio 

Born in an ordinary family on November 26, 1917, Tadao had a rough childhood. He has seen the worst of the days in the early years of his life. But his condition did not hold him back from achieving academic excellence. Tadao was the best student in his class. He joined a company just after his school graduation, which recycled oil cans. Later he joined another company which used to make military medals for soldiers. He was working as a lathe operator and never failed to impress his managers with his skills. They encouraged him to take further education and asked him to take admission into Waseda’s worker’s school (Currently, Waseda University). He got a chance to enrich his professional knowledge there.

Later he took up a few jobs and demonstrated his excellence and continued to impress his managers. After getting experience in various fields, he started making pots, bicycle generator lamps, and pans. He gained a lot of popularity in his locality because of which he started getting some contracts for making various products.

 Starting own company 

In 1946, Japan was going through a major loss caused by world war II. After completing his graduation, Kashio started his own company to manufacture simple electrical relays. The company was called Kashio Seisakujo. It is commonly known as Casio in English speaking countries. He started this venture with his father, Shigeru, and three brothers – Kazuo, Toshio and Yukio. The first product of the company was the Yubiwa pipe which was a finger ringer to hold a cigarette. That product was celebrated by its users because it was giving comfort to them. During world war II, there was a lot of tension and stress in Japan and that’s why Cigarette usage increased, and the product went successful. 

Casio Computer

The first fully electrical product of the company was released in 1957, which was a compact electric calculator. His father was the president till 1960 and later Tadao became the president. With Tadao’s leadership, Casio became worldwide famous with products like digital watches cash registers liquid crystal display pocket televisions and other devices for business and private use. The company became a $2 billion-dollar global operation with thousands of employees worldwide.

In the 1980s, Casio’s affordable electronic instruments and its line of affordable home electronic musical keyboard instruments became very famous. With this, their wristwatches also got worldwide acceptance because they were one of the only digital and analog watches. Casio was the first company to manufacture watches that displayed timezones and temperature. Casio also made some contributions to the digital camera field.

Later Life                                

Tadao lived his entire life as the president of the company. In the history of Japan, he is one of the most celebrated industrialists because he founded that electric company when Japan was at the lowest point in the industrial area. His company emerged as a saviour. The boost in the Japanese economy was very evident.

Death

On 4th March 1993, Mr. Tadao died in Tokyo, Japan. The causes of his death were vague. The company was taken over by his brothers after his death. 

Bottom line

Casio is an outcome of tremendous efforts made by its founders even in the toughest time of their lives and countries. Currently, Casio sells ‘n’ types of calculators, watches, and other different products. The simple message from their story is, it is not the situation that determines your success, but your will power and hard work do.

Seiko

Seiko – Timeless business venture of Kintaro Hattori

The leading Japanese firm Seiko is best to recognize for its optical products, electronic devices, and especially the variety of watches. In fact, the watches/clocks of Seiko had been used as official timekeepers in many intercontinental level sports events including Olympic. As well, the Grand Seiko watch is one of the most loved brands among watch lovers. This watch is considered a tough competitor of swiss watches, those rule the market over the decade. All the credit goes to Kintaro Hattori, a founder, and a top Japanese businessman who set up Seiko as a small shop with a vision to launch a Japanese watch in the market. However, the firm becomes a holding company since 2001.

About the company

 It is a famous Japanese firm that had been started as a watch and jewelry shop. Now, the firm also worked as electronics products manufacture that produces electronics devices, optical products, semiconductors, etc. However, Seiko’s main and long-time business is watching and clocks manufacturing and selling. The actual manufacturing of Seiko watches started in 1892. Before that, in 1881, the founder Hattori established a shop to sell watches and jewelry which later on converted into a company. As a matter of fact, the name of company Seiko is a Japanese word meaning success. As per the name, the soon firm achieved success and became one of the leading brands in the market.

The backstory of foundation

 A 13 years old Hattori saw a clock shop during his traineeship. That time, he got to know that the clock shop offers income in two ways. One way to get money by selling and the other way is to repair the watches. 

About founder- Kintaro Hattori

In 1881, at the time when Kintaro Hattori was 21 years old, he set up clocks repairing and selling shop in Tokyo. After a few years, he explores the business and established a factory named Seikosha. Sooner or later it is renamed as Seiko.

He was born in Kyobashi, Tokyo in 1860. During his teenage, he started working at sundries wholesaler as an intern. After that, Hattori worked at a clock shop where he learns the tactics to sell and also learned clock repairing. Kintaro successfully runs Seiko till his death in 1934. The Japanese pioneer who launched the Japanese wristwatch brand in competition with the famous Swiss died when he was 73.

Best of the Seiko

In 1960, the next and all-time popular model Grand Seiko was launched. It was the next version of one more famous watch Crown. 

Seiko is known for the quartz watch model called Astron. This model was introduced in 1969 which also became the first quartz watch on earth.

Thereafter, the company launched a quartz chronograph for the first time ever. Seiko didn’t stop here and further launched automatic quartz for the first time. 

After a huge success, the firm started a joint manufacturing unit with Orient and so established in 1985.

However, these all watch models were again launched in 1991 under the name Seiko kinetic.  

Official timekeeper

Seiko made in the list of best watchmakers with its one more achievement. It has been the official timekeeper in several international sports events. The FIFA World Cup, Olympics, and now signed an agreement with IAAF for being the official timekeeper in the next IAAF World Championships.

Bottom line 

A Japanese company Seiko is recognized for launching leading watch brands in the market. Especially, it is best known for the exclusively made wristwatches. Apart from manufacturing watches, the firm is also known as a one-stop solution for clock and watches. It means, Seiko produces all the parts of watches like rock crystal oscillators, sensors, LCDs. As well, one can get the lubricants needed for watches. 

Seiko is continuing its legacy, dedication, and perfection with its plus 130 years of innovation. It has become a name that is known to everyone and competing with the best in business. In 2001, , the firm becomes a holding company since 2001. The company has definitely come a long way from launching the basic product to the best one. We can definitely say that Seiko is a timeless business venture of K. Hattori. Something that you learn in life at earlier stage or later, always helps you to build big dream for yourself.